Orkun Kokcu Transfer Edges Closer as Besiktas Hold Talks

Orkun Kokcu transfer speculation has reached boiling point after the midfielder’s father confirmed direct negotiations with Besiktas and reiterated his son’s wish to leave Benfica this summer.

Why the Orkun Kokcu transfer is gathering pace

The Orkun Kokcu transfer saga has been simmering for months, but key factors have finally aligned for a breakthrough. First, the 23-year-old reportedly feels “under-utilised” in Lisbon, where tactical tweaks under Roger Schmidt often leave him deeper than he prefers. Second, the financial landscape at Benfica encourages high-value sales; Kokcu’s €30 million arrival from Feyenoord in 2023 makes him a prime asset to balance the books.

Besiktas, now coached by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the Norwegian’s surprise Super Lig appointment, promise an attacking role in front of raucous Istanbul crowds. According to Kokcu’s father, “Orkun has always dreamed of hearing the İnönü roar in black and white stripes.” That emotional pull, plus the chance to work under a Premier League-proven coach, explains the player’s determination to switch.

Besiktas’ pitch: guaranteed minutes and leadership

Club sources say Solskjaer views Kokcu as the creative fulcrum of a rebuilt midfield. The Orkun Kokcu transfer would allow Besiktas to shift to a 4-3-3, freeing the Turkey international to orchestrate play higher up the pitch. Incentives include a salary bump, a leadership clause that makes him vice-captain, and performance bonuses tied to European qualification.

Benfica’s position: reluctant but realistic

Benfica still admire Kokcu’s vision and set-piece class, yet the Lisbon giants know the market. An offer in the €25-30 million range—close to their initial outlay—would likely be accepted. Sporting director Rui Costa prefers sales early in the window to reinvest, and Besiktas are prepared to pay in two instalments plus add-ons.

How the Orkun Kokcu transfer could reshape both clubs

For Besiktas, landing Kokcu signals a new era. Domestic rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe have dominated recent windows; a headline-grabbing signature restores parity. Strategically, Kokcu’s progressive passing dovetails with Solskjaer’s preference for quick transitions and inverted wingers.

Benfica, meanwhile, would use proceeds to pursue Palmeiras star Luis Guilherme and reinforce at centre-back. Youth graduates João Neves and Florentino Luís would assume greater midfield responsibility, maintaining the club’s talent pipeline.

Timeline and remaining hurdles

Negotiations are advanced but not final. Kokcu still has three years on his deal, and Benfica want a resale percentage. Besiktas must also offload foreign players to meet squad-quota rules, with Ante Rebić and Vincent Aboubakar linked to exits. All parties, however, expect resolution before the team flies to Austria for pre-season on 10 July.

What Solskjaer brings to the table

The Norwegian’s track record with young technicians—think Mason Greenwood and Bruno Fernandes—adds weight to the Orkun Kokcu transfer. Solskjaer’s man-management style, built on trust and freedom in the final third, appeals to Kokcu’s attacking instincts.

My View: Kokcu needs the Istanbul stage

In my opinion, the Orkun Kokcu transfer is the definition of a win-win. Benfica recoup their money without souring relations, while Besiktas acquire the perfect conductor for Solskjaer’s new orchestra. Kokcu, already a Turkish international, will thrive under the spotlight of his homeland and could become the face of a revitalised Super Lig title race.